LUPINUS Desert Sun

Description and Characteristics

Lupinus 'Desert Sun' is a vibrant, tall-growing perennial lupin that brings sun-soaked colour and structure to summer gardens. A Russell Hybrid lupin, 'Desert Sun' is prized for its dense flower spikes of golden yellow to rich apricot-peach blooms, often with subtle gradation or contrasting upper petals (standards). The bold vertical spires emerge above a base of rich green, deeply cut palmate leaves.

Reaching a mature height of 90–100 cm and a spread of 40–60 cm, this variety is well-suited to mid-to-back-of-border positions, where it adds architectural interest and a burst of warm colour in late spring through early summer. With proper care, it can produce a second flush of flowers later in the season.

As a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), Lupinus 'Desert Sun' is also beneficial to pollinators and can enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen through its root nodules.

• Tall flower spikes in soft yellow to peachy-orange tones

• Mounded foliage with lush, palmate leaves

• Blooming time: late May to early July, with possible rebloom in late summer

• Height: 90–100 cm; Spread: 40–60 cm

• Perfect for cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and cut flower arrangements

• Excellent bee and butterfly attractor

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Lupinus 'Desert Sun' thrives in well-drained soil, full sun, and benefits from regular deadheading and light feeding. With proper planting, it requires minimal maintenance but rewards with bold seasonal colour.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows best in full sun (6–8 hours daily)

  • Tolerates light partial shade but may bloom less prolifically

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers light, sandy or loamy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral

  • Avoid waterlogged or compacted clay soil

  • Improve poor or heavy soils with compost and grit

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment (first growing season)

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant

  • Water deeply but infrequently—allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings

• Feeding:

  • Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring to support flowering without excess leaf growth

  • Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which can lead to leggy stems and poor flowering

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage secondary blooming

  • Cut stems back to the base when blooms fade

  • In autumn, allow foliage to die back naturally before cutting back

• Staking:

  • May require light support in windy sites due to tall flower spikes

  • Plant in groups for natural mutual support and visual impact

Garden Design, Companions, and Wildlife Value

Lupinus 'Desert Sun' offers a sunny focal point in borders and pollinator plantings. It fits well into a range of garden styles, from classic cottage gardens to naturalistic meadows or informal perennial beds.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for back-of-border planting, pollinator gardens, and mixed perennial displays

  • Brings vertical structure and warm colour to cool-coloured schemes or sunset-toned beds

  • Suitable for cut flower gardens and repetition planting for strong impact

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with delphinium, salvia, geum, coreopsis, and foxglove (Digitalis)

  • Contrasts well with blue-toned plants like catmint (Nepeta) or blue veronica

  • Complements grasses and silver-leaved perennials such as artemisia

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Ideal addition to wildlife-friendly and sustainable planting schemes

• Propagation and Longevity:

  • Typically short-lived (3–5 years), but easily rejuvenated by division or reseeding

  • Can be propagated by basal cuttings in early spring or grown from seed

  • Avoid disturbing mature root systems—plant in final location when young

• Pest and Disease Tips:

  • Susceptible to aphids, especially lupin aphid, and slugs/snails in spring

  • Use copper tape or slug deterrents around new shoots

  • Ensure airflow to prevent mildew; do not overcrowd plants

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.